Osiris Rising Chapter 10

Osiris Rising

Chapter 10


With a tired sigh, Isis walked out of the throne room of the palace she shared with her husband Osiris. Over the many years since the death and physical resurrection of her husband, she had never let a day go by without visiting him. Of course, no one else besides the royal family could visit, and Isis was glad for that more than anything else. She didn't want anyone else to gawk or feel pity for her or her husband. But it was still hard, oh so very hard to see him like that. As nothing more than a shadow of his usual energetic self.

Today, kneeling before him and stroking his face as she did many times before, she told him about how she had given the young mortal girl Tari his crook, and how it would aide her in finding the child that was born with his soul. She also told him how Set had gotten his powers back, how it was only a matter of time before the evil god would begin his search for the child and destroy him. But like before, her husband Osiris remained silent, his eyes empty and flesh cold.

When she was done, she stood up, tears filling her eyes once more, and kissed his cold, slightly green cheek. She vowed in her heart as she had done thousands of times before that she will bring her beloved back, and that they would soon share the happy life they had so many years ago.

Almost lost in thought, she now walked down the elaborate hall of the palace, then turned and stepped out into a large balcony. She looked up and watched the mid-day sun make its usual, eternal trek across the ancient blue skies. She remembered with a small smile when she, only just a couple of weeks away from giving birth to Horus, and Osiris stood here on this very spot, looking up at the sun and talking about their future. Mostly Horus's future, actually. She would have never thought for a moment that Osiris's very own brother Set was at the same time plotting to kill him.

As before, regret filled her heart at the old thoughts coming back; if only she would have seen the signs, if only she had known what Set was doing so she could have warned Osiris. She sighed once more and clutched her hands into fists, willing the thoughts to go away. No, now was not the time to think those thoughts again. Tari needed her help on Earth, and she wasn't going to let her down again.

With that thought, Isis nodded her head in determination. She had just turned to leave balcony when she saw a shadow just managing to dart away in the halls. Curious, Isis stepped into the hall from the balcony and looked around, but saw no one. She turned to walk down the expansive hall when suddenly a soft voice whispered behind her.

"Isis,"

She turned around, then gasped and clutched at her heart when she saw who it was that was walking up to her in the grand hall. It had been many years since they've seen each other, but Isis would know her twin sister Nephthys anywhere. But she was so differentfrom before. No longer was there any joy or happiness that she had admired her sister for. Now she came before her ragged and miserable, with tears misting in her eyes.

The two goddess sisters regarded one another for what was sure an eternity, the tension and memory of what had drove them apart thick in the air.  Then finally breaking the long, tense moment, Isis stepped forward and gently took Nephthys's face in her hands, the other woman filled with nervousness. Refusing to hesitate any more, Isis gathered her sister in her arms, holding her tightly in a loving embrace.

The two held each other as time seem to slowly crawl by, letting the memories and their sisterly love enfold them. Fresh tears ran down their dark cheeks. Isis happily remembered them as young, loving sisters, discovering many wonders and miracles together with their wise and watchful parents. No one could break their bond, and even today, not a day went by without them thinking about each other.

After a moment, Isis leaned away and looked into the face that was so like her own. "Nephthys, by the name of all that is good, what are you doing here?" she whispered, hardly believing it.

The other goddess bowed her head, trying to gather her thoughts. She finally looked up at her sister and shook her head sadly. "I shouldn't be here, especially if he finds out, but I had to come. I...I just couldn't stand by anymore and let this happen Isis, I just couldn't! Set, he has gone mad, and even now he plots to find Osiris's reborn soul before anyone else. I have come to..." She looked around fearfully, as though expecting Set to walk in any minute. "I have come to warn you about what he intends to do. He is now sending Apep to attack a small orphanage that the child might be in, and -"

"Wait, come with me, everyone must know about this!" Isis said, holding Nephthys's hand and pulling her along. "Especially Tari."

The woman blinked her eyes in confusion. "Who?"

"I'll explain later. But we must hurry. The child and Tari herself could be in danger right now."

Quickly the two goddesses raced down the hall the sun blazing high and bright in the sky.

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Downtown Cairo, Egypt


Blowing out an exhausted breath, Tari leaned against the side of a tall building and wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. It was mid-afternoon and the sun was hot and merciless, making walking in the city a lot harder than she expected. Oh man! Tari thought tiredly, It's so hot! I feel sorry for anyone crazy enough to wear leather today!

She sighed and leaned away from the building to start walking again. She was now beginning to feel a little regret for telling her father she had to come downtown here today and skip out on helping at the dig site. At least at the dig site, there was some nice shade in the tents, thankfully some of them with air conditioning! But chuckling, she knew she couldn't afford that luxury now.

Last night, Tari thought long and hard about how and where to begin her search for the child that had Osiris's soul. Even though she had the crook that could detect it, Tari knew it would do no good if she didn't have a clue of where to begin first. There were only two places she knew that had large amounts of children the boy's age; schools and orphanages! With that thought, Tari vowed when morning came, that would be where she would start her search.

So after breakfast and writing down the addresses of some schools from the internet she thought she could easily walk to, Tari pleaded with her father to take her to Cairo. "I still have more things to get Mom!" she said, clasping her hands together in front of her and giving him the puppy dog eyes.

Sighing, her father finally relented, and after driving her to Cairo himself, warned her that he would be back for her by at least 2 o'clock.

Now, Tari looked at her watch and groaned aloud. "I don't believe it, it's been hours, and I still haven't got a clue yet!" She had been to just about all the schools in this section of the city.  Even when she secretly summoned the crook after approaching a school, it didn't react to any of the children playing in the school's playground or courtyards.

Tari blew out an exasperated breath and forced herself to keep on walking. There was one last school on her list, and luckily it was close, which would give her just enough time to quickly observe it before having to meet her father.

Walking on, Tari felt her heart beat just a little faster with anticipation. What if this was the place, where the child they were searching for was? What would he be like? Would he be anything like what she read about Osiris in the old mythology books? She didn't know, but right now, it's not just about meeting him that worried her, it's if she had the power to protect him if it came down to it. Would she have the strength?

Soon, Tari came up to an elementary school that was nestled comfortably behind a small park. School was just letting out for lunch and recess now, and most of the children were out and about in the park, associating and playing with each other. A few of the teachers were there, keeping a watchful eye on them.

Smiling, Tari simply watched them play joyfully with each other, standing by a tall tree. She remembered how carefree and happy she was at that age. The love of life and the innocence she saw watching children played filled her with a peace and calm she hadn't known in a long time. She wished, just a little, that she could have some of that back, to be as joyous and innocent as these children were once more and just enjoy life. "Why? Why would Set want to hurt and destroy something so beautiful like that?" she whispered to herself, her hand over her heart.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. This was no time to be daydreaming. Besides, if she wanted to help preserve and protect that innocence, she had to be the first to find that kid.

She was just about to take out the crook from her book bag when she noticed another group of children approaching the park, led by a tall adult woman. When she looked to where they were coming from across the street, she noticed a building she now knew must be an orphanage, according to what she read about the area. Great, the more kids, the better. This is will make it a lot easier. she thought with relief.

But within seconds of the children entering the park and mixing with the school children, an uneasiness suddenly entered Tari's mind. "Something's...something's not right here," she whispered to herself. The uneasiness grew, and Tari was just about to step  towards the large group of children when a sudden rumbling started shaking the ground.

The children stopped playing and looked around nervously, huddling closer together. The rumbling only got stronger and stronger, until suddenly, with a burst of dirt, leaves, and tree roots shooting in the air, the unmistakable form of Apep erupted through the park's ground, hissing loudly. The snake god landed heavily on the ground and made straight for the shocked youngsters.

They all screamed in terror at the sight and dashed madly towards the elementary school, the teachers yelling and trying their best to maintain order.

"NO!" screamed out Tari, rage filling her heart. She concentrated, and the crook in her hand disappeared back within her bracelet. The dark-skinned girl quickly hid herself behind the tree she was standing by, clenching her hands into fists. She brought her arm up and looked at the bracelet on her wrist. Like an eager warrior, it twinkled in the sunlight, letting her know it was ready to fight and protect the children.

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as before, Tari crossed her arms over her chest and yelled out "Powers of the ancient, I summon thee!"

Tari raised her head and allowed the bright light from the bracelet to envelope her body and fill her soul and blood with power; the power to fight evil and to protect those that it wanted to harm. Her clothes disappeared for a brief second, and in their place the now familiar outfit that identified her as a warrior and guardian to the innocent.

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Hissing with glee, Apep slithered towards the cowering and screaming children gathered in front of the school. The giant snake god knew one of these pathetic little brats had to have Osiris's soul, and when he destroyed him, Set would praise him and him alone!

"Do not fret, young onesss," Apep hissed out, his forked tongue flicking in and out. "Your ssssuffering will sssoon be over! Now...DIE!"

"Not so fast, lizard lips!!" yelled out an angry voice. "Leave those children alone, NOW!"

Apep turned and his eyes widened when he saw Tari running towards him, her eyes narrowed.

"YOU!" he yelled out. "You ssshall not ssstop me thisss time!" The giant snake roared loudly and dashed towards her, rage filling his glowing eyes.

"That's what you think!" Tari stopped and then quickly back flipped out of the way from the evil snake god. Barely a moment later, Apep smashed his head in the spot she was just standing in, venom dripping from his fangs. The spot immediately turned black and charred from the poison.

Concentrating hard, Tari willed her sword to appear, and like a prayer answered, a flash of light erupted from her bracelet. Immediately her bejeweled sword appeared in her hand, bright and sharp.

"Your little tricksss won't sssave you!" Apep flicked his enormous tail, and before Tari could react, swiped her feet from under her, making her fall heavily and leaving her sprawled on the ground. Tari watched Apep shoot his tail-end down at her with wide, frightened eyes, intending to impale her once and for all.

But at the last second, the Brooklyn-born girl raised her sword and swiped it protectively in front of her, leaving a deep gash on Apep's tail. He hissed and howled in pain, whipping his hooded head about.

Tari quickly rolled away and stood up, glaring angrily at the big snake. "That was a dirty trick, and now you've made me mad. I am SO gonna make a dozen pairs of snake-skin shoes out of you!" she growled out.

Instead of responding, Apep opened his mouth wide and let loose a stream of venom that was almost too fast for the eyes to see. Yelling in fright, Tari raised her arm protectively in front of her. But instead of feeling the burn and sting of the poison, a red, web-like dome of light suddenly appeared around her. The poison smashed harmlessly into the protective bright red dome and dissipated in a hissing smoke.

When the light disappeared, Tari looked down at her bracelet in wonder. The bracelet, it protected me again! She blinked her eyes and looked up just in time to see Apep making for the children again, leaving her no time to think on it.

"Oh no you don't!" Tari yelled out. She raced towards the children and teachers, knowing they would not survive if she didn't make it there first. Once more, Apep flicked out his tail when she reached near him. But this time, Tari was ready. She jumped up high, barely missing his tail, and slashed down with her sword on her way down from the impressive front flip. When she landed, there was a deep gash on the snake god's side.

Apep howled and hissed louder than ever, making the children and the few adults with them cringe and cover their ears. Writhing, Apep swung his large head around and around. When he paused and saw her beside him, he turned and headed right for her with his enormous head.

Unable to move in time, Apep's head quickly smashed hard into her mid-section, and she was knocked back a few feet. She landed painfully on her back with a painful groan and felt tears gathering in her eyes, her breath knocked right out of her. But she couldn't give up now. She wouldn't give up!

Taking in a deep breath, Tari got up on unstable legs, and in horror, watched Apep once more slither quickly towards the children. He opened his mouth wide, and a large blast of bright green energy shot out, striking the elementary school building they were huddled in front of.

The children screamed when the building exploded in a loud fireball. Immediately debris and pieces of the building fell down towards them.

NO! I can't let it end like this! I have to protect them! Tari screamed in her mind. Suddenly a feeling, like a compulsion, made her stretch out her arm with the bracelet. She spread out her fingers, and before she knew it, a bright red light shot out of her hand towards the children and teachers with them. Each was now on their knees with their arms over their heads.

Just before the debris could smash down on the group, the red light turned into a large, thick, see-through red net, suspended in mid-air over the group. The red net quickly caught the burning pieces of the building, holding them above the frightened crowd of teachers and children. They all looked up in awe above them, then back at Tari.

Almost falling to her knees with the strain, Tari growled out "Run!" The piles of rubble were heavy, and she would lose control at any moment.

Not needing to be told twice, the group ran as fast as they could from under the magical net. A second later, the net disappeared and the debris smashed heavily to the ground. Wasting no time, the teachers and worker from the orphanage quickly gathered the children and rushed over to the orphanage building. Before disappearing inside, the adults gave Tari one last look of gratitude.

Tari sighed with relief and fell to her knees on the ground, breathing hard.

"You will regret that!" hissed out Apep, heading straight for her.

Tari rolled out of the way just in time before Apep landed heavily on the spot she was in. She got back up on shaky feet and glared once more at the enormous snake. "I've regretted a lot of things in my life, but I will never regret fighting you and saving those children!" she said, balling her hand into a fist.

"We sssshhall sssee!" Apep raised his upper body high and leaped towards her. But just as she raised her sword to defend herself, Tari watched a deep wound suddenly embedded itself on the top of Apep's head, followed immediately by another wound that appeared on the side of his face. The snake hissed angrily and turned to look up.

Relief washed over Tari when the dark figure of Anubis descended from the sky and landed protectively in front of her. His sword was clutched tightly in his large hand as he turned to look at Tari to make sure she was alright, then back at Apep.

"It is finished, Apep." Anubis said, his voice deep and commanding. "You are defeated. Go back to your filth of a master and leave this place in peace."

"It is NOT finished!" Once more the snake god opened his mouth and shot forth another blast of energy. The dark-skinned god of embalming quickly snatched Tari in his arms and jumped high up out of the way.

Right after they landed, he dashed away from Tari and leaped high into the air again. He slashed down with his sword, and a blast of dark blue energy erupted from it and smashed into Apep's face. Roaring loudly, he fell backwards onto the ground. He writhed and twisted for long moments in agony before getting back up.

For what seemed like forever, Anubis and Apep glared at each other in tense silence. Finally Apep slithered backwards away, rage glowing bright in his eyes. He knew it was time to retreat, as he was now greatly wounded. "We will certainly continue thisss!" said Apep, his form already beginning to disappear. "Next time, victory shall be oursss!" With that, he was gone, leaving behind pools of green blood from his wounds.

When all was quiet again, Anubis turned to look at Tari, his twisted locks of hair swinging behind him. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, it's just my...my wrist," Tari looked down on her wrist and saw that even under the covering of the bracelet, it was beginning to swell.

"Come, quickly. Thoth can help with that. And we have much to discuss." Anubis held out a hand to her, and wincing in pain, Tari went to him. They both disappeared in a bright flash, leaving behind a deserted park and demolished school where moments ago, happy children were playing. Police finally came upon the scene, their sires blaring in the air.

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To Be Continued...